DE102014200906A1 - Pipe connection, in particular for a heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pipe connection (30), in particular for a heat exchanger, with a pipe end (32) arranged in a connecting piece (38), wherein an outwardly projecting, at least partially, peripheral bead (34) is formed on the pipe end (32) , and is characterized in that the connecting piece (38) has a first connecting piece section (66, 76, 110, 78, 80, 82, 84, 112, 114) which is radially deformable and has a first radially deformable connecting piece. Section (66, 76, 110, 78, 80, 82, 84, 112, 114), wherein the pipe end (32) by means of the first radially deformable connection piece portion (66, 76, 110, 78, 80, 82, 84 ; 112, 114) in the connection piece (38) is held and secured. The invention further relates to a heat exchanger with such a pipe connection (30) and a connection method for producing a pipe connection (30).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a pipe connection, in particular for a heat exchanger, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular for a motor vehicle and a related connection method.

State of the art

Heat exchangers are used as radiators, for example in an air conditioning system of the motor vehicle. The heat exchanger, in particular radiator, is equipped for example with two pipe sockets, can be connected to the lines of a coolant circuit of the motor vehicle. In this case, two line connections are typically provided on the heat exchanger. Through a flow connection, hot coolant can enter the radiator, through a return connection, the cooled coolant can leave the radiator again. It is important here that the line connections are designed as fluid-tight, in particular coolant-tight, connections, in particular pipe connections.

Pipe line connections and pipe / pipe connections per se are known in different embodiments.

For example, the shows US 4,854,417 a pipe connection to an exhaust silencer. A connection of an inlet pipe to a housing of the exhaust muffler is realized by inserting a pipe into an opening of the housing, the pipe having a plurality of sections of different diameters connected to a section forming a shoulder. By a slight deformation of a housing wall in the region of the opening when fitting the inlet tube, the inlet tube can be mounted during assembly fit into the housing.

From the DE 297 22 732 U1 is an exhaust manifold with a cylinder flange, manifold pipes and a manifold known. The end of the manifold tube forms the actual sealing surface. In the tube opening of the flange, a circumferential groove is incorporated, wherein the manifold tube is calibrated by means of the groove. Here, a simple internal tool, which spreads the pipe wall at the point in question, used. The manifold tube can also have a circumferential nose instead of the groove, which can be supported on an outer side of the flange.

The DE 10 2005 030 736 A1 relates to a conduit connecting device comprising a tube having at least one flange on an end piece, wherein a tight and pressure-resistant connection is provided if at least two axially successive flare are provided by a free end of the tail, wherein the flare on the inner end bead is larger than the bead or flanges, which are arranged towards the free end.

Presentation of the invention, object, solution, advantages

It is the object of the invention to provide an improved pipe connection, in particular for a heat exchanger, and an improved heat exchanger.

This is achieved with a pipe connection, in particular for a heat exchanger, with the features of claim 1.

In one embodiment of the invention, the pipe connection, in particular for a heat exchanger, a pipe end arranged in a connecting piece, wherein the pipe end has an outwardly projecting, at least partially circumferential, bead. The connecting piece in this case has a first connecting piece section, which is radially deformable and forms a first radially deformable connecting piece section, the tube end being held in the connecting piece by means of the first radially deformable connecting piece section, as is fixed, and secured. Preferably, the connection piece is assigned to a water tank or collecting tank of the heat exchanger and connected to this in one piece or connectable. By means of the tube end, the heat exchanger can be connected to a line system, preferably to a coolant line system. The first radially deformable connection piece section is preferably a first, flanged or bent connection piece section. Due to the first radially deformable connection piece section, a securing of the pipe end in the connection piece and ultimately on the water box can take place. Thus, a pipe connection has been created in which no additional clamps, clamps, fittings or other security elements to secure the pipe end in the connection piece are necessary. This is advantageous since it can reduce a variety of parts, in particular a variety of parts to be stored and thus bearing capacity required. As a result, an optimization of the storage can be achieved and ultimately costs for the production of the heat exchanger can be saved. In addition, less radial space for the pipe connection is required because the additional, radially filling space, terminals and screws have been eliminated.

The first radially deformable connection piece section in this case has an annular region which forms an annular segment with a first circular segment and a second circular segment. The first connection piece section can surround the pipe end in this case circumferentially. The annular region is preferably open on one side, wherein the tube end protrudes beyond the annular region.

The first radially deformable connecting piece section preferably forms a cylindrical surface enclosing the pipe end with radially deformed regions. The cylindrical surface may in this case be a closed cylindrical surface. Alternatively, the cylinder surface may have broken cylinder surface portions.

The cylindrical surface preferably has radially arranged circular segments and radially arranged beads. Thus, a shaft flange is formed on the first connection piece section. The Wellenbördelung may arise by the cylindrical surface is partially formed around an axis parallel to a tube axis axis.

Alternatively, the cylinder surface can have regions and regions between the segments arranged material-free spaces. This can preferably have been created by a bending crimping, wherein preferably a bend was made around an axis parallel to the tube axis.

Another embodiment of the pipe connection is characterized in that the cylindrical surface is U-shaped, wherein the legs of the "Us" on a first, substantially parallel to a z-axis, cylindrical surface portion on both sides perpendicular to this subsequent and circumferential second cylindrical surface sections form. The U-shaped cylindrical surface is in this case preferably produced by a bending bending with a bend about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pipe end axis.

Preferably, the crimping forms (segments and circle segments) are distributed on the circumference of the first radially deformed connection piece section. Particularly preferred these are distributed in a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-fold design. Preferably, these are 4-fold, that is offset by 90 ° at a circumference of the pipe end distributed.

Preferably, the connection piece has a second connection piece section, which is formed in one piece with the first connection piece section. Preferably, the second connection piece section is formed on the water box of the heat exchanger. In this case, the second connecting-piece section is preferably conical, wherein the cone can have discontinuous changes in diameter. The second connection piece section may have sections of different pitch. Preferably, a shoulder or a contact surface is formed between the first and the second connecting piece section, to which or the outwardly protruding bead can be ajar. Due to the contact surface, the pipe end can be fixed in its longitudinal position along the pipe axis. Due to the radially deformed portions of the connecting piece, the pipe end can be fixed in a plane perpendicular to the pipe extension direction (x-y plane).

A fluid-tight pipe connection can be realized by the arrangement of a sealing element between the pipe end and the connecting piece. In this case, the sealing element may be a rubber-elastic sealing element, for example an O-ring. The sealing element is preferably arranged between the cylindrical surface of the first connecting piece section and the pipe end, in particular a wall of the outwardly projecting bead.

The object is also achieved by a heat exchanger with a pipe connection according to the invention. The heat exchanger may in this case be arranged in a motor vehicle and be connected or connected to the coolant system of the motor vehicle. Here, the pipe connection between the water tank of the heat exchanger and the coolant line system is arranged. The heat exchanger may have a first pipe connection according to the invention at the inlet and a second pipe connection at the outlet. Through the pipe connections, a secure, in particular fluid-tight, preferably coolant-tight, connection of the heat exchanger to, for example, the coolant line system, and thus to the coolant circuit can be realized. Neither cold nor warm coolant can escape at the joint. This ensures that no motor vehicle parts in the engine area are destroyed by hot coolant. The safety of the vehicle occupants can be ensured thereby.

• – Anordnen des Rohrendes in dem Anschlussstutzen,
• – Positionieren eines ersten Werkzeugs am ersten Anschlussstutzen-Abschnitt,
• – Umformen des ersten Anschlussstutzen-Abschnitts mittels des ersten Werkzeugs oder eines zweiten, zum Umformen des ersten Anschlussstutzen-Abschnitts geeigneten, Werkzeugs.

The object is also achieved by a connection method in which the following steps are provided for connecting a water box of a heat exchanger to a pipe end of a pipe system, for example a coolant pipe system:

• Arranging the pipe end in the connecting piece,
• Positioning a first tool on the first connection piece section,
• - Forming of the first connection piece portion by means of the first tool or a second, suitable for forming the first connection piece portion, tool.

Preferably, the deformation is carried out by a bend about an axis parallel to the tube axis, wherein a Wellenbördelung or a Biegebördelung is generated. In this case, the shaft flange has radially deformed regions.

In one embodiment of the connection method, the deformation takes place by a bend about an axis perpendicular to the tube axis, wherein a bending flange is generated.

The connection method according to the invention makes it possible to produce a secure, stationary pipe connection. By arranging a sealing element between the first connection piece section and the pipe end, the pipe connection can be fluid-tight, in particular coolant-tight.

Further advantageous embodiments are described by the following description of the figures and by the subclaims.

Brief description of the figures of the drawing

The invention will be explained in more detail on the basis of at least one embodiment with reference to the figures of the drawing. Show it:

1 a pipe joint for a heat exchanger according to the prior art in a perspective view and in a sectional view,

2 a connection clip for fixing a pipe end to a connecting piece according to the prior art in a perspective view and in a plan view,

3 FIG. 2 a schematic sectional view of a pipe connection according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG.

4 a perspective view of a first connection piece portion before forming for a pipe connection according to the invention,

5 a perspective view of the pipe joint with a first radially deformed connection piece section according to the invention,

6 a further perspective view of the pipe connection with the first radially deformed connection piece section according to the invention,

7 a schematic representation of the pipe joint of 5 as a top view,

8th a schematic representation of a pipe joint of another embodiment according to the invention as a plan view,

9 the pipe connection of 8th before forming (left) and after forming (right) in perspective,

10 a first portion of the first radially deformed spud portion of the pipe joint of 5 and 6 in section,

11 a second region of the first radially deformed connecting piece,

12 3 is a sectional view of a section of the first spud section according to the second embodiment;

13 a schematic representation of the connection process for different embodiments of the pipe joint according to the invention.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

1 shows a schematic representation of a pipe connection 10 according to the prior art. In the lower section of 1 the pipe connection is shown as a sectional view. In the upper part of 1 are the individual elements of the pipe connection 10 shown in perspective. By means of the pipe connection 10 is a pipe end 12 with a connecting piece 14 a water box 16 connected to a heat exchanger, not shown. Between the connection piece 14 and the pipe end 12 is a sealing element 18 arranged, by means of which a fluid-tight connection can be made or realized. The pipe end has a circumferential and outwardly projecting bead 20 on. The pipe end 12 will be up to the bead 20 in the connecting piece 14 pushed in and lies on a circumferential heel 22 of the connecting piece 14 at. By means of a clamp 24 there is a fixation of the pipe end 12 on the connecting piece 14 , the clamp 24 will with a screw 26 closed. Thus, the pipe end 12 with a screwed and closed clamp 24 on and in the connecting piece 14 secured.

2 shows a clip 28 according to the prior art in perspective upper part of the figure) and top view in the xy direction (lower part of the figure) as an alternative attachment possibility of the pipe end 12 on the connecting piece 14 according to the prior art. The clip 28 is used during the assembly process via the connecting piece 14 pushed.

3 shows a pipe connection 30 in sectional view according to the invention. The pipe connection 30 has a pipe end 32 with a molded, outwardly projecting and circumferential bead 34 on. One, at a water box 36 a heat exchanger, not shown, arranged connecting piece 38 has a first spigot section 40 on. The connecting piece 38 has a shaped second spigot section 42 which is shaped to have a spigot heel 44 has on which the bead 34 in the assembled state of the pipe connection 30 can be present. The first spigot section 40 and the second spigot section 42 are preferably made in one piece. The first spigot section 40 is preferably cylindrical and has a cylinder height 46 on. The cylinder height 46 extends in the assembled state, in which the pipe end 32 in the connecting piece 38 is inserted, preferably from the connection piece paragraph 44 over an extension range 48 the bead 34 out and surrounds the pipe end 32 at least a few mm.

A cutting line 50 represents an xy plane perpendicular to the axis 54 of the pipe end 32 , educated. The spigot paragraph 44 is formed in a plane parallel to the xy plane. On the in 3 shown left half of the pipe joint 30 is the first spigot section 40 of the pipe end 32 in the connection piece 38 shown and thus to apply before a reshaping of the connection piece section 40 , In the right half is the first spigot section 40 after a deformation of the annular segment 56 shown. The formed connection piece section is indicated by the reference numeral 66 designated. The connection shown on the left is without cutout, the one shown on the right with cutout for lower forming forces. The forming was done by means of a suitable tool, which is the first connection piece section 40 above the line 50 reshaped and an annular segment 56 has generated. The annular segment 56 is in the forming process partially from a starting position 57 in an end position 60 formed at the pipe end 32 partially circumferentially applied. The position at and immediately adjacent to a Rohraußenumfang 58 is denoted by the reference number 60 designated. The spigot section 66 has first circle segments 63 with a first radius, and second circle segments disposed therebetween 65 with a second radius r2. The first radius r1 in this case corresponds approximately to that of the first connection piece section 40 , The second radius r2 is smaller than the first radius r1. The first spigot section 40 has been radially deformed by the forming process and it is a Wellenbärdelung with first and second circle segments 63 and 65 emerged.

Between a tube outer peripheral surface 61 and a connector inner surface 62 is a sealing element 64 , For example, an O-ring arranged. The shapes of the connecting piece 38 may be formed differently in the xy plane. For example, round or oval.

4 shows the pipe connection 30 in a perspective view, wherein the pipe end 32 not yet in the connection piece 38 fixed and secured. Like parts are designated by the same reference numerals. The water tank 36 has the connecting piece 38 with the first spigot section 40 and the second spigot section 42 on. The pipe end 32 is in the connecting piece 38 inserted and protrudes over the first spigot section 40 out. The first spigot section 40 is annular around the pipe end 32 arranged and spaced therefrom. The annular segment 56 forms a cylindrical surface 67 out. The cylindrical surface 67 is preferably formed throughout.

5 shows a perspective view of obliquely above the pipe connection 30 , The spigot section 40 has been reshaped and has the radially deformed spigot section 66 educated. The spigot section 66 is radially symmetric around the pipe end 32 arranged. Like parts are designated by the same reference numerals. The spigot section 66 has the first circle segment 63 and the second circle segment 65 on. The circle segments 63 and 65 form the cylindrical surface 67 out. The cylindrical surface 67 is integrally formed and represents a circumferential band.

6 shows a perspective view of the connection piece 38 with the formed connection piece section 66 and the second spigot section 42 both radially symmetric about the pipe end 32 are arranged. Like parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Between 42 and 66 Areas can be punched free on the peripheral side.

7 shows the pipe connection 30 as a plan view looking along the z-axis 54 , Like parts are designated by the same reference numerals. The deformed connection piece section 66 surrounds the pipe end 32 centric. The spigot section 66 is annular and integrally formed. In particular, the Connection branch-section 66 integral with the second spud section 42 educated. The spigot section 66 points four evenly over a circumference 68 distributed ring segments 70 on that have a diameter 20 have the connecting piece section 40 corresponds to four bead-shaped ring segments 74 , each ring segments 70 and ring segments 74 alternately over the circumference 68 to distribute. The ring segments 70 and 74 form out of the cylindrical surface 67 ,

8th shows a further embodiment of a connection piece section 41 after it has been deformed or reshaped. The deformed connection piece section is indicated by the reference numeral 76 designated. The spigot section 76 has four separate segments 78 . 80 . 82 and 84 preferably of equal size and evenly over the circumference 68 of the pipe end 32 are arranged distributed. Between the segments 78 . 80 . 82 and 84 is each a gap 86 . 88 . 90 and 92 arranged. The size of the spaces 86 . 88 . 90 and 92 is the same, so the segments 78 . 80 . 82 , and 84 are arranged uniformly radially spaced. The segments 78 . 80 . 82 and 84 are each at both ends inward in the direction of the z-axis 54 bent. Here is the end of the segment 78 . 80 . 82 and 84 each immediately adjacent to the outer peripheral surface 68 of the pipe end 32 arranged.

9 shows the embodiment of the pipe joint 30 from 8th in perspective view. In the right part of the 9 are the segments 78u . 84u . 82u and 84u (not visible) (the additional u denotes the undeformed segments) not yet deformed and form the spigot section 41 out. The segments 78u . 80u . 82u and 84u are spaced from the outer peripheral surface 68 of the pipe end 32 arranged. The spigot section 41 is a modification of the first spigot section 40 , A circle segment area 94 runs essentially parallel to the pipe end 32 , In the right part of 9 is the spigot section 41 deformed and has segments 78 . 80 . 82 and 84 on, towards the pipe end 3 have curved ends undeformed or before the forming.

10 shows the pipe connection 30 in a sectional view in a sectional plane which runs along the z-axis and by two opposite ring segments 70 runs. The respective ring segment 70 is spaced from the pipe end 32 arranged, in particular spaced from the outer diameter 68 of the pipe end 32 arranged.

11 shows the pipe connection 30 in a sectional plane parallel to the z-axis and in a plane passing through two opposite bead-shaped sections 74 is formed. The bead-shaped sections 74 are closer to the outer peripheral surface 68 of the pipe end 32 are in particular immediately adjacent to the pipe end 32 arranged.

12 shows the second embodiment of the first connection piece section 41 in unrolled form, before this becomes an annular spigot section 41 is bent. Visible are illustrated by dashed lines bending edges 95 , The bending edges 95 can be realized by a common stamp, not shown. The one in the left half of the 12 illustrated connection piece section 41 and in the right half of the 12 shown connection piece section shows two different possible positions for the bending edges 95 ,

13 shows three of the possible embodiments for the first non-deformed connection piece section 40 . 41 and 96 , The designated A embodiment is the in the 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 illustrated embodiment, which starts from the spigot section 40 in the undeformed state. The embodiment indicated by B is in the 8th . 9 . 10 . 11 and 12 illustrated embodiment of the first connection piece section 41 in undeformed condition. The embodiment designated C is in 13 shown for the first time and the first spud portion of this embodiment is denoted by the reference numeral 96 designated. With the circular symbols 98 is in each case a position for a first tool or a positioning tool 98 . 100 and 102 for the three embodiments. In the middle row of the 13 are the pipe end 32 and the first spigot section 40 . 41 and 96 represented for the respective embodiments in a sectional view in the xy plane. The lower row shows an associated tool for each of the three embodiments 104 . 106 . 108 in section parallel to the z-axis.

The third embodiment 96 of the first connection piece section 96 corresponds to the first spigot section 40 and has an L-shape after deformation 110 on. Here is the bead 34 almost from above and radially from the first connection piece section 96 enclosed and in the direction of beading 34 from the spigot paragraph 44 educated. Thus, the L indicates 110 both parts of the first spud section 96 as well as the second spigot section 42 on. The spigot section 40 is bent over, leaving two segments 112 and 114 are each arranged substantially parallel to each other, wherein the shorter segment 112 can also be bent upwards so that it at least partially a parallel section to the segment 114 can have. The segment 112 has paragraph at least partially 44 on.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 4854417 [0004]
• DE 29722732 U1 [0005]
• DE 102005030736 A1 [0006]

Claims (13)

Pipe connection, in particular for a heat exchanger, with a, in a connecting piece ( 38 ) arranged pipe end ( 32 ), wherein at the pipe end ( 32 ) an outwardly projecting, at least partially, circumferential bead ( 34 ), characterized in that the connecting piece ( 38 ) a first spigot section ( 66 . 76 . 110 . 78 . 80 . 82 . 84 ; 112 . 114 ) which is radially deformable and a first radially deformable connection piece section ( 66 . 76 . 110 ; 78 . 80 . 82 . 84 ; 112 . 114 ), wherein the pipe end ( 32 ) by means of the first radially deformable connection piece section ( 66 . 76 . 110 ; 78 . 80 . 82 . 84 ; 112 . 114 ) in the connecting piece ( 38 ) is held substantially immovable and secured. Pipe connection according to claim 1, characterized in that the first radially deformable connecting piece section ( 66 . 76 . 110 ) is annular and an annular segment ( 56 ) with a first circle segment ( 63 ) and a second circle segment ( 65 ) trains. Pipe connection according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first radially deformable connection piece section ( 66 . 76 . 110 ) one the pipe end ( 32 ) enclosing cylindrical surface ( 67 ) with radially deformable regions ( 63 . 65 ; 70 . 74 ; 78 . 80 . 82 . 84 . 112 . 114 ) trains. Pipe connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cylindrical surface ( 67 ) radially arranged circular segments ( 70 ) and radially arranged and inwardly projecting beads ( 74 ) having. Pipe connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cylindrical surface ( 67 ) Segments ( 78 . 80 . 82 . 84 ) and between the segments ( 78 . 80 . 82 . 84 ) arranged material-free spaces ( 86 . 88 . 90 . 92 ) having. Pipe connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cylindrical surface ( 67 ) Is formed U-shaped, wherein the legs of the "Us" on a first, substantially parallel to a z-axis, formed cylindrical surface portion ( 67 ) on both sides perpendicular to this subsequent circumferential second cylindrical surface sections ( 112 . 114 ) train. Pipe connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the pipe end ( 32 ) and the connecting piece ( 38 ) a sealing element ( 64 ) is arranged. Pipe connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second connecting piece section ( 42 ) provided with the first spigot portion ( 40 . 66 . 76 . 110 ; 41 . 78 . 80 . 82 . 84 ; 96 . 112 . 114 ) is integrally formed. Heat exchanger, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a connecting piece ( 38 ) having water box ( 36 ) and a pipe end ( 32 ) for connecting the heat exchanger to a coolant line system, characterized in that at least one pipe connection ( 30 ) is provided according to one of claims 1 to 8, in particular for connecting the pipe end ( 32 ) with the connecting piece ( 38 ), wherein by means of the first radially deformed connection piece section (FIG. 66 . 76 . 110 ; 78 . 80 . 82 . 84 ; 112 . 114 ) of the pipe connection ( 30 ) the pipe end ( 32 ) on the water box ( 36 ) is held and secured. Heat exchanger according to claim 9, characterized in that the second connection piece section ( 42 ) between the first connection piece section ( 40 . 66 . 76 . 110 ; 41 . 78 . 89 . 82 . 84 ; 96 . 112 . 114 ) and the water box ( 36 ), preferably with the water box ( 36 ) or is integral with this. Connection method for connecting a water box ( 36 ) of a heat exchanger with a pipe end ( 32 ) of a piping system, for example, your coolant line system, wherein the following steps are provided: - Arranging the pipe end ( 32 ) in the connecting piece ( 38 ), - positioning a first tool ( 98 . 100 . 102 ) at the first spigot section ( 40 . 41 . 96 ), - forming the first connection piece section ( 40 . 41 . 96 ) by means of the first tool ( 98 . 100 . 102 ) or a second, for forming the first connection piece section ( 40 . 41 . 96 ) suitable tools ( 104 . 106 . 108 ). Connection method according to claim 11, characterized in that the forming a bend around one to the tube axis ( 54 ) is parallel axis, whereby a Wellenbördelung or a Biegebördelung is generated. Connection method according to claim 11, characterized in that the deformation is a bend about an axis perpendicular to the tube axis, wherein a bending crimp is generated.

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